I’ve posted a number of patient success stories about running after heart valve surgery. From the sounds of it, I believe we are about to add Iris to that special, patient list.

Iris Vinegar, an 82-year-old grandmother from Raleigh, North Carolina, is preparing to join 32,000 other runners for the Monument Avenue 10K this Saturday.

Iris Vinegar (Left) – Grandma, Runner And
Heart Valve Replacement Patient

Vinegar, a devoted distance runner, underwent four hours of open-heart, valve-replacement surgery on January 30, 2009 to replace her aortic valve which suffered from aortic stenosis.

“[My doctor] says I should be able to run twice as fast as before,” Vinegar said. Then she laughed. “I’m not sure that would be such a good thing. If I’m that fast, they’ll probably hand me a urine cup instead of a trophy or a medal when I cross the finish line.”

Vinegar’s condition, aortic stenosis, was detected four years ago. She ran three marathons — each preceded by a comprehensive check-up — and three Monument Avenue races before her aortic valve became severe to the point where surgery was required.

Picture of Diseased Aortic Valve (Aortic Stenosis)

“Physicians said I was in tip-top shape except for the valve,” Vinegar said. “They said my heart was in excellent condition and my arteries were beautiful.”

Now, with a new, fully-functional aortic heart valve, Iris Vinegar is set on completing her first race since surgery.

Keep on tickin’ (and runnin’) Iris!

You are an inspiration to us all!

As a follow-up to an earlier blog about stroke and heart surgery (see “Is Stroke A Risk During Heart Surgery?“), I just received this patient update from Jeff. You can tell that Jeff’s positive attitude is going to help him throughout his recovery. Here is what he writes:

Hi Adam,

My name is Jeff Stoveken and I am 46 years old.  I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve at age 40.  It was discovered during a routine physical when my doctor heard a murmur.  It was confirmed with an echocardiogram.

Jeff Stoveken – Heart Valve Surgery Patient

In August of 2008, during a visit to the emergency room for some chest pains, I was diagnosed with a five centimeter aortic aneurysm. One month later I had my valve replaced, along with a section of my aorta containing the aneurysm, by Dr. John Brown, III at Morristown Memorial Hospital in New Jersey.  I have a St. Jude’s Mechanical valve.

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As you may already know, there are several, different surgical procedures used to correct valvular disorders (e.g. aortic stenosis and mitral valve prolapse). Accordingly, the patient – or their caregivers – typically develops a mental or written “question list” about each surgical option available to him or her.

Many of the questions I receive are about… patient risk. Those risk-related questions focus on a few, common themes including cardiac procedures, surgeons, valve replacement devices, surgery timing, recovery, age issues, hospital issues, mortality, etc.

In fact, I just opened an email from Harvey that reads, “Adam – Yesterday, I was diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation due to ‘floppy mitral leaflets‘. The prolapsed valve needs to be fixed quickly, according to my cardiologist. It feels like a ton of bricks just landed on my head. I’ve been up all night researching my options and I was curious to know more about robotic surgery. Is robotic surgery more or less risky? I’ve read it might be 100% risk-free. Is that true? Thanks, Harvey”

In review of Harvey’s questions, I have three immediate thoughts for him:

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I often tell patients that heart valve surgery should be perceived as a medical miracle.

“Why?” you may be wondering.

Well, it is through valvular surgery that many, many, many, many of us will live longer, healthier lives. My readers constantly reinforce this belief. These days, it seems as if every time I click my inbox, I receive an inspirational, patient story relating to valve repair or valve replacement.

Interesting Case In Point… George Soldan

George Soldan – Heart Valve Surgery Patient In 1976

The story of George Soldan was just sent to me by Sharon, his daughter. I thought you might enjoy learning about the positive impact of a pig valve replacement surgery performed in 1976… over 32 years ago.

Here is what Sharon writes:

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Thanks so much for your emails about the anticipated arrival of Baby Pick.

If you didn’t know… Robyn, my very pregnant wife, and I wife are expecting our first child, a baby boy, to arrive somewhere around April 13. As you would imagine, we are incredibly excited and somewhat nervous.

Robyn and I have been “nesting” like crazy. Everyday now, I’m assembling something for the little guy. First, the stroller. Then, his swing. Then, his car seat. Then, some furniture. Then, some more furniture. Then, it was time to hang the shelves. It doesn’t stop!

The best part is… Robyn and I are having A LOT of fun getting the nursery all set up.

Robyn – After We Assembled The Stroller

As for classes, we just finished our breastfeeding class last night. And, we recently finished our birthing class. To be safe, we also took an infant CPR class.

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